My name is Luis Miguel Valle. I was born in Miami and my parents are from Peru. My mother was the first person in her family to move to the United States. Mom moved us to Connecticut before I was 3. It was hard for her to work and care for me since she was all alone in Connecticut so for my own well being, she sent me to live in Lima, Peru with my Grandmother, two uncles and an aunt until I was ready to start school. Though I spoke a few words in English when I left for Peru, Spanish became my first language. I came back to Hartford to start school, long before bi lingual education existed, and I didn’t speak a word of English. I was dropped in a class room full of children who didn’t understand me, nor I them. But I learned…and fast. We moved to West Hartford when I started 7th grade and we still have our family home.
I love to travel. I have been to France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany, England, Puerto Rico and , Peru, of course. I speak English, Spanish and I dabble in French. In Italy I was able to have basic conversations by mixing Spanish and Italian!
I love food! Mom always told me to try everything before I claim to like or dislike something…and it stuck.
I love my family. In Connecticut I have my sister and brother in law, with their two boys…my nephews, whom I adore. Mom was one of eight and three of her sibling settled in Connecticut and I have several cousins and all their children call me uncle (a Latino tradition ) which makes for a great extended family.
I love going back to Peru and spending time with my family there and learning more about the culture of my ancestors.
I love art and design. When I was 18, I went to school for interior design, but at 18 I wasn’t ready to design spaces for people to live. How could I? I hadn’t “lived” yet. My time there gave me an appreciation and background in design which is found in all aspects of life.
For many years I had the privilege of working with Dan and Eiko of Japanalia, who were innovative clothing designers in Hartford. They brought me into the world of runway makeup and fashion photo shoots. Dan was also involved in theatrical productions and I planned and created stage makeup designs. What great times we had!
I also developed a love of gardening. I tend to get carried away with plants!
I guess I can say I love making things, and people, more beautiful and I appreciate beauty around me.
I love Sothys. I have chosen to work with this wonderful line of French skincare products for well over 35 years. A few years ago, Sothys invited me on a fabulous trip to France. I had the opportunity to meet the family who founded and owns Sothys and I was invited to tour the lab where the products are created. It gave me renewed inspiration to see what goes into that little jar on my shelf that I offer my clients. I also realized that I am one of the most experienced technicians Sothys has, world wide.
But mostly, I love what I do. What a privilege it is for me to be able to offer a little respite from the stresses of life and to help people look their best. Feeling good about yourself is a powerful asset.